ean Little’s most recent book, The Sweetest one of all, is a picture book for very young children and their parents. In it, barnyard animal babies ask their mothers who they are and each of them is told that he or she is the sweetest one of all. The book ends with a human mother telling her little one the same thing. And getting a loving hug in response. The playful text should continue to delight both children and adults even after many readings.

The colourful illustrations by Marisol Sarrazin are endearing and filled with lively detail. Each will hold small readers spellbound.

Jean Little

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ean Little is recognized throughout Canada and the United States for her candid and unsentimental portrayals of adolescent life. Once a teacher of handicapped children, Little herself is only partially sighted, and she uses much of her real-life experience as the basis for her books.

When Sally moves into the house next door, Emma's mom thinks it will be easy for the two girls to become friends. But Emma is so shy, she can barelyeven read out loud in school. Will Emma ever make friends with her newneighbor?Emma is so shy she can barely read out loud in school, and when a new girl moves in next door, Emma isn't sure she can make friends. But a happy coincidence leads the two to share a winter of magical make-believe. And with the help of her new best friend, Emma discovers she can overcome her shynesseven at school. Beginning readers will treasure the perfect blend of engaging text and appealing pictures that celebrates of the magic of friendship.